Russia hopeful of resuming talks on Iranian nuke issue

Moscow, Sep 21: Russia has expressed hope that international talks on resolving the controversial Iranian nuclear problem would soon be resumed on terms acceptable for all sides concerned.

''There is every chance that agreement can be reached on terms that would be acceptable for the Iran-6, the IAEA, the UN Security Council and Iran, of course,'' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told RIA Novosti news agency last night.

He was referring to the efforts made by the 'P-5 plus Germany' as well as the IAEA to resolve the long-standing Iranian nuclear problem.

Mr Lavrov said the all parties involved in the talks ''should focus on the main goal of reaching a compromise, which would both ensure the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and allow Iran maintain its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear technologies.'' Earlier, 'P-5 plus Germnay' drafted a package of incentives to persuade Iran to suspend work on enriching uranium. The EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented the offer to Iran during a visit to Tehran on June 6.

Iran submitted its response to the offer on August 22, saying it will consider suspending its uranium enrichment programme only after talks.

Last week, Mr Lavroov said he saw a number of constructive aspects in Tehran's response which helped maintain contacts between Solana and the Iranian side.

Russia has opposed any move imposing sanctions against Iran stressing every chance should be taken to resume talks and not measures that could only obstruct progress.

Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani held talks with Solana on September 10 in Geneva. After the talks Solana said progress was made in some areas and the talks would continue.

UNI